6 minutes read time
Ever worn contact lenses? They go on your eye, so I’m guessing you bought them from a trusted source (please tell me you did).
Turns out, sterile surgical gloves are held to the same regulatory standards as contact lenses. Same goes for dental fillings, catheters, even syringes.
Why does that matter? Because like contact lenses, using trusted sterile surgical gloves is non-negotiable. Choosing the wrong ones puts both patient and practitioner at risk.
In this guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know to choose trusted sterile surgical gloves with confidence.
What we’ll cover
- What are sterile gloves
- What makes a glove sterile
- When are sterile gloves required
- 5 things to look for when comparing sterile surgical gloves
- The right way to put on & take off sterile gloves
- Sterile vs non-sterile gloves
- Sterile gloves shelf life
What Are Sterile Gloves?
Sterile gloves are single-use disposable gloves that have undergone strict sterilisation processes to eliminate all microbial life forms. They prevent the transmission of microorganisms between health-care workers and patients and vice versa. Sterile gloves are packaged in pairs in sealed sterile pouches.
What Makes A Glove Sterile?
There are two main sterilisation methods:
- Radiation: Gamma rays or electron beams are used to kill microorganisms.
- Ethylene Oxide (EtO): A sterilising gas, followed by aeration to remove any residue.
Both methods are highly effective and used globally across medical industries.
When Are Sterile Gloves Required?
Despite the name, sterile surgical gloves aren’t just for surgeons. They’re essential for any procedure where the risk of contamination is high. Think broken skin, open wounds, possible infection, and more.
Examples of when sterile gloves are crucial:
- Performing minor or major surgical procedures (including in-clinic or outpatient surgeries)
- Suturing wounds or performing excisions
- Carrying out dental surgeries like extractions, implants, or root canals
- Performing animal surgeries or invasive treatments in veterinary care
- Handling open wounds or abscesses in humans or animals
5 Things To Look For When Comparing Sterile Surgical Gloves
1. Glove Material
There are four common material options used for sterile surgical gloves:
- Non-Latex Polyisoprene: Premium choice. Offers latex-like dexterity & feel without the allergy risk
- Non-Latex Neoprene: A budget friendly non-latex option. Not as soft or stretchy but offers good chemical resistance.
- Nitrile: Tougher and more chemically resistant.
- Latex: Known for tactile sensitivity, but carries an allergy risk and isn’t as durable.
2. Non-Negotiable Glove Certifications & Standards
In Australia, sterile surgical gloves must meet strict benchmarks. Look for these key standards:
- Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 – a global safety and performance benchmark
- ISO 10282:2014 – The global benchmark for surgical gloves
- EN 455 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4 – Tests for holes (pt 1), strength & elasticity (pt 2), biocompatibility (pt 3), and shelf life (pt 4)
- EN ISO 13485 – Manufacturing facility follows strict medical-grade quality controls
- ISO 10993-5 – Tested for cell safety, gloves won’t leach harmful chemicals
- ARTG Registration – Included in Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
3. Bonus Certifications & Standards
The list above is non-negotiables, here’s some nice to haves and what they mean
- ISO 10993-10 – Tested for skin irritation
- ASTM F1671 – Protects against virus penetration
- ASTM D6978 – Chemotherapy drug tested
- EN ISO 374-1 – Chemical Resistance rating
- EN ISO 374-5 – Protection from viruses, bacteria & fungi
- ISO 9001:2015 – Overall quality management
- EN 16523-1 – Tested for chemical leaks
4. Glove Technologies
Small glove upgrades can make a big difference. For example, a slightly textured surface improves grip, making delicate surgical tasks easier.
Or technologies like Easy On (exclusive to The Glove Company) make donning smoother and faster. All iSense Sterile Surgical Gloves feature Easy On for efficient donning.
5. AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)
Surgical gloves are quite thin to ensure dexterity, so pinholes can be a risk. AQL is the standard that helps manage this risk.
The standard AQL for sterile gloves is 1.5. This means the batch will pass inspection if the number is defects in the tested sample falls within the limits for a 1.5% defect rate.
The exact number of gloves tested depends on the batch size, but for example, in a sample of 315 gloves, no more than 7 gloves can have pinholes before the batch fails inspection.
In simple terms, the lower the AQL, the stricter the standard and the lower the chance of defects.
The Glove Company’s range of iSense Sterile Surgical Gloves has an AQL of 0.65.
How To Don & Doff Sterile Surgical Gloves
Proper technique is vital to ensure sterility stays intact. Get it wrong, and you risk contaminating everything.
Donning (Putting Gloves On)
- Wash hands thoroughly and prep a clean environment
- Open the sealed pouch and remove the paper package
- Touching only the paper, unfold the wrapper to reveal the laid out gloves
- With your dominant hand, grab the glove for your non-dominant hand by the folded edge of the cuff
- Pull the glove on, being careful not to touch the outside of the glove. Leave the cuff folded.
- With your gloved hand, grab the second glove and repeat the process
- Adjust the cuffs
- Once on, don’t touch anything non-sterile
Doffing (Removing Gloves)
- Pinch the outside of the cuff of one glove and pull all the way off
- Hold removed glove in your gloved hand
- Using your ungloved hand, careful not to touch the outside of the glove, insert a finger under the glove
- Pull the glove off, keeping the first glove inside
- Dispose properly and wash your hands immediately
Difference Between Sterile/Surgical Gloves and Non-Sterile Gloves
- Sterile surgical gloves = Individually packaged, sterilised, and tested to strict standards
- Non-sterile gloves = Mass packaging, typically with 100 gloves a box, and not guaranteed to be free of microbes
Non-sterile disposable gloves can be medical-grade, these are safe to be used for low-risk patient contact like routine medical examinations, wound care, IV insertion and removal. But unless they’re in sterile packaging and certified to key standards, they’re not suitable for surgical use.
Also note the AQL difference:
- Sterile gloves: AQL of 1.5 or below
- Non-sterile gloves: AQL of 1.5 to 2.5
Sterile Gloves Shelf Life
Most sterile gloves have a shelf life of 3 years. You’ll find the expiry date on the box, if not look for a manufacture date and add 3 years.
If there’s no date info at all, then it’s best to reassess the glove’s condition and consider replacing them because it’s better safe than sorry.
Conclusion
Choosing sterile surgical gloves isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting lives. The right glove ensures performance, sterility, and safety where it matters most.
Whether you’re in a dental clinic, a vet practice, or a day surgery setting, this guide has you covered.
Still got questions? The Glove Experts are here to help you find the best glove for you.
